Ramped Platform Device for Vivarium Wall Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing platform devices for vivaria lack a secure and versatile design that allows easy attachment to the vivarium wall and provides a safe, accessible platform for animals to traverse and rest, particularly for reptiles, amphibians, and mammals.

Innovation Solution

A ramped platform device comprising a first plate with a fastener that attaches to the vivarium wall, a perpendicular platform for animals to ascend, and a transverse second plate for traversal, featuring traction-enhancing recesses and optional accessories like heat lamps, designed for secure attachment and animal safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a platform device is attached to the vivarium wall, then animals have a place to rest and traverse, but the attachment must be secure without damaging the vivarium wall

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidpotential wall damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The first plate is made of a flexible material that allows it to conform to and attach to the vivarium wall without rigid fastening, preventing damage to the wall while maintaining secure attachment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The first plate is curved to match the curvature of the vivarium wall, allowing it to attach securely to the rounded surface without requiring penetrating fasteners that could damage the wall

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Ease of operation

If the platform is positioned outside the vivarium confines, then animals have easy access, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanimal accessibilityVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The platform device is divided into separate functional components: a first plate for wall attachment, a platform for animal rest, and a second plate for traversal, allowing each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first plate serves multiple functions: it attaches to the vivarium wall, supports the platform structure, and provides a mounting surface for accessories like heat lamps, reducing the need for additional components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the second plate extends transversely and downwardly, then animals can traverse safely, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanimal safetyVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The second plate is curved to provide traction for animal feet, enhancing safety without requiring complex surface treatments or attachments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The second plate combines multiple functions: it provides a traversal surface, enhances traction through curvature, and extends downwardly to prevent animals from slipping off, reducing the need for separate safety features

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11297807B2Ramped platform device

Publication Date: 2022.04.12 HUFFMAN DAVID

AI summary

A ramped platform device for a vivarium includes a first plate that has a fastener engaged to an upper for coupling to an upper rim of a wall of the vivarium, such as an aquarium or a terrarium. The first plate is in substantial abutment to an inner face of the wall. A platform is coupled to and extends substantially perpendicularly from a lower end of the first plate. A second plate that is coupled to and which extends transversely and downwardly from a perimeter of the platform allows an animal to climb up to and down from the platform.